Timothy Souza
In the Army, Willys Jeeps still have a mystical reputation as an unstoppable, easy to maintain, and reliable machine. I always passed them in museums on post or out in the training areas and wondered what stories they could tell. I finally was able to locate and aquire my 1952 M38 in West Texas. It needed restoration but being from a dry climate the body was in great shape, needing little to bring it back to military standards. After rebuilding the engine, transmission, transfer case, and numerous other mechanical parts she is ready for the motor pool once again. With the help of Kaiser Willys numerous available parts, the understanding of my wife, the excitement of my daughter saying “beep, beep in my jeep, jeep” everytime it fires up (note the car seat), and the encouragement from numerous other serving soldiers, veterans, Army historians, and family alike she is able to tell her story with living history once again. As a third generation Soldier and combat veteran I am proud to continue the tradition of the Willys Jeep and remember the sacrifices others have made to make this country so great.
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